A Mobile DJ (also known as a disc jockey) is a person who entertains audiences at discos and live events by selecting and playing sequences of music known as a set.
DJs will often speak to their listeners in between tracks to give names of tracks they are playing, chat about general subjects of interest, even tell jokes etc.
There are different kinds of DJ's that perform their sets to audiences all over the world. the following article explains the different types of DJ and the places they play.
Radio DJ
A commercial radio DJ works at a radio station and broadcasts their sets to anyone that tunes in to listen. A radio DJ will play particular genres of music depending on their targeted audience and also entertain listeners by talking in-between tracks, usually with a comedy factor.
Radio DJ's may also read developing news stories and give out traffic updates for drivers.
In order for a radio station to make money, a DJ usually has to broadcast a selection of adverts and also host a range of phone in competitions so the advertisers and listeners pay for the station to continue.
Club DJ
Club DJ's are hired to play in pubs or clubs that are in various towns and cities, often travelling great distances (even abroad) to get to their gigs. A Club DJ can be expected to play either a range of music genres or will specialise in just one (e.g. electronic dance music).
A club DJ may also speak to their audience to promote the tracks they are playing or many try to interact with the crowd uplifting their mood.
Club DJ's can be extremely well paid, being paid hundreds of pounds for a set that sometimes lasts no longer than an hour. A DJ could also travel to a series of venues to perform a number of sets in one night.
Mobile DJ
A mobile DJ is paid to play music and entertain people at private functions (e.g. weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, school discos, corporate events and charity events).
A mobile DJ will play favourites from all genres of music and all eras because there is no specified target audience (all being of different ages and various tastes). They could also make announcements, tell jokes and orchestrate party games.
Unlike the other types of DJs listed above, a mobile DJ has to supply all their own equipment and lighting.